Ian Peters’ appointment as NHS England London Regional Chair comes at a critical time for healthcare reform and system-wide transformation…reports London Daily News Desk
NHS England has appointed Ian Peters as Regional Chair for London, marking a key leadership addition at a time of significant transformation across the health service.
The appointment, confirmed following an open and competitive recruitment process, places Peters at the centre of efforts to strengthen governance, improve service delivery and address persistent health inequalities across the capital. He is expected to take up the role in mid-April for an initial three-year term, working part-time in line with its non-executive nature.
As outlined in the NHS Model Region Blueprint, the Regional Chair will provide visible, independent leadership across London, working closely with regional executives to shape and deliver a coherent long-term strategy. The role is central to driving the ambitions of the NHS 10-year health plan, including improving life expectancy, enhancing quality of care and ensuring services are both efficient and accessible.
Peters will work alongside Integrated Care Board (ICB) chairs and provider leaders to ensure strong governance and high-performing boards, while also supporting improvement initiatives and interventions where necessary. The position is seen as pivotal in aligning leadership across organisations and ensuring consistent delivery of national priorities at a regional level.
He brings extensive experience from both public and private sectors, with a strong track record in board-level leadership, governance and strategic development. Peters currently serves as chair of the UK Health Security Agency and has previously held senior roles including chairman of Barts Health NHS Trust and non-executive director at Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust.
Beyond the NHS, his portfolio includes leadership and advisory roles across organisations focused on social impact, sustainability and data-driven innovation. These include positions at Legal and General Affordable Homes and the Canal and River Trust, reflecting a broad commitment to public service and community development.
Peters said he was “delighted” to take on the role at what he described as a pivotal moment for the NHS. He emphasised the importance of collaboration across the region, noting that he looked forward to working with leaders including Regional Director Dame Caroline Clarke and ICB chairs to drive sustainable improvement.
“We will shape and support sustainable improvement and help deliver lasting change to deliver better outcomes for the diverse communities we serve,” Peters said. He also highlighted ambitions to improve working environments for NHS staff and foster innovation that can contribute to London’s wider economy.
Welcoming the appointment, Dame Caroline Clarke described Peters’ arrival as a significant boost to regional leadership. She said his experience and judgement would help reinforce public confidence in NHS management while supporting staff and systems to deliver meaningful improvements.
“He brings a wealth of experience needed to support our Chairs and systems across London and drive the improvements our staff and patients deserve,” she said.
Penny Dash, Chair of NHS England, also underscored the importance of the role, noting that regional chairs would play a critical part in strengthening governance and leadership across the health service during a period of reform.
She said the appointments reflected the organisation’s ability to attract high-calibre candidates with the independence and expertise required to support delivery of the NHS’s long-term priorities, including improving health outcomes, reducing inequalities and boosting productivity through innovation and digital transformation.
The creation and strengthening of regional leadership roles come as the NHS continues to adapt to rising demand, workforce pressures and the need for more integrated, community-based care. With Peters’ appointment, NHS England aims to reinforce its leadership structure in London and accelerate progress towards a more efficient, equitable and sustainable healthcare system.
